Assorted Knife Carry Laws

Mike Kerins

Mike Kerins

Joined
Nov 14, 2004
Messages
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In the thread below, a conversation ensued regarding the legal blade limit in Seattle, Washington. This brings up two very important issues to all of us here on the forum.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4306499#post4306499

1. We can't rely on knowing what our State law says about carrying a knife. We also must know what the local law says as well. In this case, Seattle passed a law that outlawed the carry of any knife with a blade length greater than 3 1/2 inches long. This brings up issue number two.

2. Exactly what does that law mean? What is the blade length? I would argue that the "blade" does not include the tang, but is restricted to the sharpened area of the knife, and excludes that area on a folder below the blade where, on a Buck 110, the stamping can be found. This is particularly important on the 110 at least as it applies to thte Seattle law. If one measures the length of the blade alone, it measures roughly 3 1/4 inches. If one measures the complete length of blade and tang it measures roughly 3 5/8 inches (at least on the one I have that I measured. We all know this varies.)

This all made me wonder about other local jurisdictions that may have taken it upon themselves to adopt laws that go beyond their State's criminal statutes. Just something to ponder.
 
I have also wondered this. Is the un-sharpened portion of the blade still considered "the blade"?

When someone says the blade of a knife, I think of the CUTTING edge. In that respect, it needs to be able to cut...so...it must be sharp. Or at least, significantly thinner than the rest of the steel that protrudes from the handle. Some knives dull down closer to the handle/guard, but if it LOOKS like it was ground to take an edge I'd still consider it part of the blade.
 
When dealing with the law, I think it is prudent to consider the tang as part of the blade. Especially when dealing with a local LEO. My advice, know your local laws regarding length, and when measuring your blade, include the tang.
 
Mike Kerins said:
In the thread below, a conversation ensued regarding the legal blade limit in Seattle, Washington. This brings up two very important issues to all of us here on the forum.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4306499#post4306499

1. We can't rely on knowing what our State law says about carrying a knife. We also must know what the local law says as well.
Click to expand...

True and important to realize, as you say. I often travel to NY City, for example, where
the laws about knife carry are more restrictive than the NY State laws.

2. Exactly what does that law mean?
Click to expand...

Well, if it's defined in the law as written, there you go.
Otherwise it would be a court that would say what the law means.
You can look it up, or ask a lawyer, but if no court has interpreted
a particular law yet well then it's still an open issue.
Click to expand...
 
Juggler2 said:
When dealing with the law, I think it is prudent to consider the tang as part of the blade. Especially when dealing with a local LEO. My advice, know your local laws regarding length, and when measuring your blade, include the tang.
Click to expand...
I think your point is very prudent. I bring up the distinction as a legal issue. I personally would rather err on the side of caution and avoid a legal argument from a jail cell. As an ex-cop, I've always been critical about the vagueness of some of the written statutes throughout the country.
 
rifon2 said:
Well, if it's defined in the law as written, there you go.
Otherwise it would be a court that would say what the law means.
You can look it up, or ask a lawyer, but if no court has interpreted
a particular law yet well then it's still an open issue.
Click to expand...

This is exactly the point I was attempting to make. BE CAREFULL and read your local municipal code requirements, otherwise the local fuzz is likely to make an issue out of it.
 
I think laws like this are designed to prohibit "Crocodile Dundee" type knives, not a 110 that might be 3 5/8 if you stretch the tape. Of course it raises the question.... is a 4" knife really more "dangerous" than a 3 1/2" knife?
 
Messersmith said:
I think laws like this are designed to prohibit "Crocodile Dundee" type knives, not a 110 that might be 3 5/8 if you stretch the tape. Of course it raises the question.... is a 4" knife really more "dangerous" than a 3 1/2" knife?
Click to expand...
That's why I think these types of laws are inherently stupid. :thumbdn:
 
Buck_110 said:
My neighbor five houses down is a paramedic(E.M.T.). He told me that stab wounds that go three inches or deeper are often fatal. He also said that under three inch deep wounds were alot less dangerous. He went on to say that three inches is kinda sorta the point of no return. Most vital organs are right about three inches under the skin is the reason he gave me.

I am only stating what he told me here. I am not a doctor and am merely repeating what I was told.
Click to expand...

Buck 110,
The flaw in that line of thought is that somehow the person using the knife will stop pushing once the knife reaches the skin. Believe me, I or anyone else can take a knife with a two inch blade and push and twist sufficently hard enough to reach any organ in your body.
Mike
 
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